Retrofit hurricane and earthquake protection

ABSTRACT

Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a CIP of U.S. Ser. No. 08/578,081 filed Dec. 26,1995 which is a CIP of Ser. No. 08/191,852 filed Feb. 2, 1994, both ofwhich are abandoned.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to innovative connectors and fasteners that makebuildings stronger, and helps protect them from earthquakes, hurricanes,tornadoes, and strong winds.

2. Description of Prior Art

Recent studies of earthquake damage on wood-frame buildings indicatethat the outside wall sheathing is the most important structural memberin preventing destruction to a home. Sheathing that is tightly securedto a house, stiffens the vertical components against damagingdeformations.

The initial failure location on buildings during hurricanes is at theroof to wall connection, or at the wall to floor connection. Thisinvention uses the outside wall sheathing to help tie the roof and floorto the walls, and stiffens the wall to distribute wind loads to the roofframing and end walls.

Failure and loss of the roof sheathing is common during hurricanes,mainly because of inadequate fastening of the roof sheathing to theunderlying structural members. The roof system provides stability to ahouse by supporting the tops of exterior and interior load-bearingwalls.

Sheet metal joints perform better than nailed joints in high winds andduring seismic activity. Strong connectors, secured by sturdy fasteners,will insure that the major structural members of a house are securelytied together. Rigid outside sheathing,

Earthquakes

Earthquake studies of a single-family building showed that failure wasmainly due to the improper connection of wall studs to sole plates; thefailures were attributed to nail withdrawal from the framing (Goers,1976).

Tests of wall studs to sole plate connections showed that the studs wereuplifted from the sole plate, and the nails which connected the bottomof the plywood sheathing to the sill were punched out of the sheathing(Kamiya et al., 1981).

The outside sheathing allows the naturally flexible wood wall studs todeform just enough to absorb the earthquake forces without cracking.When the outside sheathing is secured tightly to the studs, top plate,rafter, and sole plate, without becoming disconnected, it increasestheir load-bearing strength.

Steel connectors, between different components of a wood-frame buildingssuperstructure, provide continuity so that the building will move as aunit in response to seismic activity (Yanev, 1974). Outside sheathinghelps transfer earthquake forces to the ground while greatlystrengthening the resistance to lateral seismic motions (Yanev, 1974).

Hurricanes

In 1974, wind-study testing of a full-scale house showed that theinitial failure location was at the roof to wall connection, or at thewall to floor connection (Tuomi and McCutcheon, 1974). The stiffness ofthe wall influences the distribution of wind loads to the roof framingand end walls (Polensek, 1976).

In 1990, tests were done on (prior art) rafter/top plate connectors(hurricane clips) that are installed on a house during construction; itwas found that hurricane clips are sometimes three to five timesstronger than conventional toe-nailing under uplift loads (Canfield,1990). Retrofit of prior art hurricane clips is difficult or impossibleon existing houses.

Studies of damage from Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki show that most of thewind damage to a gable end of a home was from the difference in pressureinside and outside the home. Almost all pictures of damaged wood ormasonry buildings show the gable end blown away from the building. (FEMAreports FIA-22, FIA-23)

Pictures never show the gable end blown into the building. This is dueto the Bernoulli Effects, where the pressure differential between windblowing around and over a building, and high pressure air inside, blowsout a wall or roof.

An airplane rises due to the pressure differential of faster air movingover a wing, compared to the high pressure of slower moving air under awing. So too does the side walls blow out of a house due to theBernoulli effects of wind blowing perpendicular to the wall. Gable endsblow out of a house, because of higher pressure in the house compared tothe extremely low pressure on the leeward edge of the wind direction.

Once the side wall or gable end of a house is blown out, the rigidity ofthe roof and entire house is compromised due to wind getting into thehouse. Driven rain, along with the wind can damage everything in thehouse, along with damaging the structural integrity of the roof andwalls of the house.

Loss of the roof sheathing was consistently observed after HurricaneIniki and Hurricane Andrew. The primary cause of sheathing damage wasinadequate nailing into the underlying structural members of the roof.There was evidence of missing, corroded, misapplied, and too few nailsor staples attaching the roof sheathing to the rafters, purlins, ortrusses.

Outside sheathing

If an earth tremor is strong, the nails holding the outside wallsheathing may be inadequate in size or quantity. Many nails are driveninto the edge of the sheathing where the wood can split and loseconnection with the underlying studs.

If the outside sheathing detaches from the wall studs, the walls cannottransfer lateral forces or transverse loads and the building can rackand collapse. When the outside sheathing is sufficiently attached to thestructural framing, the sheathing and structural framing functiontogether.

A sturdy wall system absorbs, resists, and transfers forces imposed bywind and earth movements. Improperly secured sheathing may not functioneffectively in resisting transverse loads and lateral forces.

Previously, framers did not understand the structural importance ofoutside wall sheathing. Improper nail size, length, or type, along withan improper fastening schedule, could jeopardize the anchoring abilityof the outside sheathing. Plywood can still be applied with power-drivenstaples.

Many times, the exterior sheathing is applied to the wall when it isconstructed on the ground, then raised in place. This helps keep thewall from racking when raised, but is heavier to lift and may be weakerthan sheathing applied to a wall in place.

Part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 08/191,852, filed on Feb. 2,1994, ties the rafter to the outside sheathing and underlying top plate.This is one of the weakest failure points on a house during a hurricane.

This continuation-in-part application has unique connectors to tietogether major structural members of a house using the important outsidesheathing. These major structural members include the gable end rafterand joist, the sole plate and walls, and the corner post, rafter, andtop plate. These unique connectors are held to the outside sheathing,and underlying or exposed structural members using unique fasteners, ornails, screws, and bolts.

Roof sheathing

The stability of the walls is dependent on the roof for top lateralsupport. The roof sheathing can be composed of boards or plywood. Itties the rafters and roof trusses together, and prevents the roof fromracking. The roof sheathing may have been applied carelessly in thepast, as it was felt that the weight of the roof cladding would keep theroof on tight.

Previously, framers did not understand the structural importance of roofsheathing. Improper nail size, length, or type, along with an improperfastening schedule, could jeopardize the anchoring ability of the roofsheathing. Plywood may be applied with power-driven staples. In humid orsalt-air climate, the nails or staples can corrode and lose holdingpower.

Prior Art

A number of connectors have been developed to tie together the roofrafter and the top plate, or wall stud and sole plate. Previousconnectors were made to be used during construction of the structure andcovered by the outside sheathing.

These connectors cannot be retrofitted to existing structures withoutextensive dismantling or damage to the inside wall board or outsidesheathing. Without dismantling the walls, a homeowner can't tell ifhurricane clips are correctly fastened to their house. Older homesusually don't have hurricane clips or any type of sheet metal connectorsinstalled on their house to prevent racking, or movement betweenstructural members.

Prior tie connectors are also limited to the number of roofing andstructural members that can be tied together. Since prior connectors aremade for installation on the frame-work of a building, they cannot tiethe outside sheathing to a building. All previous connectors weredesigned to be covered over by the outside sheathing. Since they do nottie the outside sheathing to the underlying structural members of thehouse, they cannot prevent the house from racking in an earthquake orwind storm.

The roof lock in U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,599 to Hames, March 1922, and thedock bracket in U.S. Pat. No. D.290,223 to Westerheim, June 1987 did nottie the rafter to the top plate and outside sheathing. The hurricane tiein U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,372, December 1987, and snugging connector inU.S. Pat. No. 4,896,985, January 1990, both to Commins, can tie therafter to the top plate in the skeleton structural framework of newconstruction. They can not be used as a retrofit on existing houses;they did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did notgo around the frieze board; they did not tie into a stud or top platedirectly underneath a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2×4's ofthe top plate.

The bearing connector in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,646, May 1992, to Coloniaset al. is used to carry roof loads, but can tie together a rafter, topplate, and two 2×4's of the top plate together in the skeletonstructural framework of new construction. This connector can not be usedas a retrofit on existing houses; it did not tie the sheathing to thetop plate and rafter; it did not go around the frieze board; and it didnot tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter.

The building construction ties in U.S. Pat. No. 2,300,113, to Faber,October 1942, can tie the rafter to the joist and wall stud in theskeleton structural framework of new construction. They can not be usedas retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to thetop plate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top plate togetheror go around the frieze board; and they did not tie together two 2×4'sof the top plate.

The free gusset metal ledger hanger in U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,664, to Gilb,October 1982, is used to provide ledger support around the insideperimeter of buildings or at internal concrete or masonry walls. Thisconnector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existinghouses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it didnot tie together a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the friezeboard; it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath arafter; and it did not tie together two 2×4's of the top plate.

The wall tie in United Kingdom patent 2,096,664, to Durrant, October1982, is used to strengthen mortar joints in brick walls. This connectorcan not be used as a retrofit on the outside of existing wood houses; itdid not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not tietogether a rafter and top plate; it did not go around the frieze board;it did not tie into a stud or top plate directly underneath a rafter;and it did not tie together two 2×4's of the top plate.

The connecting plate for wood members in Germany patent 238,822, toSauer, March 1986, is used to connect planks, boards, or strips, usingbending slots and nail holes. This connector, by its large bendingslots, is a weak connector. Bending this connector weakens the metal,especially since most carpenters would hammer the connection to make itfit on planks and boards. This connector is useful for attachingtogether boards that intersect at odd angles, not equal to 90 or 45degrees. This connector may be used as a retrofit on existing houses,but was intended for attaching beams and planks in the skeletonstructural framework of new construction. It did not tie the sheathingto the top plate and rafter or go around the frieze board; it did nottie into a stud or top plate directly under a rafter; and it did not tietogether two 2×4's of the top plate.

The metal connectors in Switzerland patent 214,358, April 1941 are usedto connect wood and metal members together. The connectors can tieI-beams, angle iron, and wood boards to metal frames in skeletonstructural framework of new construction. They can not be used asretrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the sheathing to the topplate and rafter; they did not tie the rafter and top plate together;they did not go around the frieze board or tie into a stud or top platedirectly under a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2×4's of thetop plate.

The apparatus and method for securing a building during high winds inU.S. Pat. No. 5,319,986 to Winger, June 1994, is used to secure severalof the roof rafters to the ground by cables and anchors. This system isemployed only when high winds are expected, as the cables must beextended and attached to the ground anchor manually. In a post-and-beamconstructed house where the inside rafters are exposed, the cables andattaching hardware are exposed to view. Cables can kink, stretch, rustin place, and break. This system did not tie down the roof sheathing orroof shingles. This system will not work if the homeowner is not home tosecure the anchoring cables. It cannot work in areas where tornadoes canoccur without warning, especially if the home owner is sleeping or isseeking shelter in the basement or interior room. The system requiresextensive and expensive carpentry work and expensive hardware.

The house anchor in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, June 1932, usescables and ground anchors to secure the roof to the ground. It did nottie together the rafter and ridge plate or tie them straight down to theground; since the rafter and ridge plate are not secured together andtied to the ground on the gable end of the house, the house isvulnerable to winds on the side of the house that can push or pull andseparate the gable end of the rafter plate to ridge plate connection.Cables can stretch and break. Parts of the house anchor includeeye-bolts and cable guides which can pull out from wood when subjectedto perpendicular pulling forces as from strong winds.

The exterior anchoring apparatus for surface sheets in U.S. Pat. No.1,864,403, to Bradley, March 1967, uses metal rods and clamps to secureexterior sheathing to a roof. This system cannot be retrofit to anexisting roof. It did not tie the sheathing securely to the rafter andridge board.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are that ithelps hold the gable and hip ends of a building from being blown in orout by hurricanes, tornadoes, and wind storms.

This invention helps prevent the outside sheathing of the gable and hipends on existing buildings from detaching during an earthquake. It alsoallows some deflection in the joint without separating. The inventiontightly holds the outside sheathing to the roof rafter, top plate,joist, and wall stud using unique, but simple and economical connectorsand fasteners.

Objects of this invention are that it easily, quickly, and economicallyprotects buildings from the destructive effects of earthquakes. It is afurther object of this invention that it easily, quickly, andeconomically protects houses from the destructive winds of hurricanes.It is a still further object that the connectors and fasteners arestrong, attractive, permanent, functional, uncomplicated, simple tomanufacture, easy to install, and economical. Many of the embodimentscan be made from a single sheet metal blank, without any welding.

Another objective is for the rafters or roof trusses to be securedtogether and locked to the wall and roof sheathing. The invention can beused as an accurate spacer for trusses and for attic ventilation. Thisinvention can be used during construction and can be retrofit ontoexisting homes.

The installation procedure is simple so that a handy homeowner caninstall the connectors and fastener hardware. Except for expensive,custom-built homes, most homeowners had no input or knowledge on howstrong their houses are built. Now homeowners can retrofit their homesby themselves or with a hired contractor. Installation of this inventionwill make a house more resistant to strong winds and seismic activity.

Since the invention is mostly on the outside of a house, it isunadorned, but can be covered with the homeowners choice of wood trim,veneer, gingerbread, other architectural facades, or can just be paintedto match or contrast with the house.

Previous disasters showed that many nailed connections on destroyed ordamaged homes were undersize, mis-installed, or completely missing. Bybeing installed on the outside of a house, an inspector, homeowner, orinsurance agent can see if there are any missing connectors andfasteners. Since the bushings are made of the correct size and material,no undersize or wrong material fasteners can be installed.

Masonry houses don't fare well during an earthquake because the housecan't flex, it usually snaps instead. This invention allows thesheathing connection on a house to deflect or flex by using a bushingand bearing surface for low friction.

The outside sheathing is one of the most important structural memberswhen a house is under stress of hurricane-force winds or seismicactivity. This invention helps prevent the wood of the outside sheathingfrom splitting. It also holds the outside sheathing securely to theunderlying structural members.

None of the prior art connectors hold on the outside sheathing, becausethey went on a house before the outside sheathing was installed. None ofthe previous connectors use a bushing and bearing surface to allowmotion, and still hold the sheathing and underlying structural memberstogether.

There are several embodiments of this invention in order to fit on asmany different types of houses as possible. Several embodiments of thisinvention protect most types of wood-frame construction. Numeroushouses, including brick and concrete-block, have the gable endconstructed of wood. Several embodiments of this invention protect mosttypes of masonry houses constructed with wood gables.

A further object is that this invention can be used on various sizehouses. A still further object is that the embodiments of this inventionare retro-fit onto new and old homes made of wood or masonry. There maybe insurance discounts for homeowners who have this invention installed.

These and other objectives of the invention are achieved by a system ofsimple and economical connectors and fasteners that allow a homeowner orcontractor to quickly and easily protect the weakest parts of a buildingagainst earth tremors and high winds.

Advantages of each will be discussed in the description. Further objectsand advantages of my invention will become apparent from a considerationof the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a seismic clip.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a seismic clip.

FIG. 1C is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic clip.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a left-hand seismic clip for the cornerof a house.

FIG. 1E is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic clip for thecorner of a house.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip for thecorner of a house.

FIG. 1G is a flat-pattern layout of a right-hand seismic clip for thecorner of a house.

FIG. 1H is a rear perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip, for thecorner of a house.

FIG. 1I is a perspective view of the bottom webs on a seismic clip.

FIG. 1J is a magnified cross-section view of the embossments.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a Christmas tree bushing.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a Christmas tree bushing.

FIG. 2C is a side view of a Christmas tree bushing.

FIG. 2D is a side view of barbed leaders.

FIG. 2E is a top view of barbed leaders.

FIG. 2F is a front view of the oblong screw hole.

FIG. 2G is a cross-section of screws inserted through a Christmasbushing into wall framing.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a spiral bushing.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a spiral bushing.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a spiral bushing.

FIG. 3D is a side view of a hold down screw.

FIG. 3E is a side view of centering guide pin.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a physical bushing.

FIG. 4B is a perspective rear view of a physical bushing.

FIG. 4C is a cross-section through a physical bushing.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tapered wedge bushing.

FIG. 5B is a cross section view of a tapered wedge bushing.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a heavy-duty bushing.

FIG. 6B is a front view of a heavy-duty bushing.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp.

FIG. 6D is a front view of a heavy-duty clamp, seismic clip, andheavy-duty bushing.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a tomahawk connector.

FIG. 8A is a is a perspective view of a tee retainer.

FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee retainer.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector.

FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a banana clip.

FIG. 10B is the back view of a banana clip.

FIG. 10C is a magnified view of banana clip teeth.

FIG. 10CA is a perspective view of a tooth.

FIG. 10D is a front view of another embodiment of a banana clip.

FIG. 10DA is a cross section view of a banana clip.

FIG. 10DB is a top view of teeth.

FIG. 10DC is a bottom view of teeth.

FIG. 10DD is a side view of teeth.

FIG. 10DE is a cross section through teeth.

FIG. 10E is a back view of another embodiment of a banana clip.

FIG. 10EA is a side view of teeth.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip.

FIG. 11B is a flat-pattern layout of a corner clip.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a gable connector and roof plate.

FIG. 12B is flat-pattern layout of a gable connector.

FIG. 12C is a top view of a roof plate.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a facia board connector.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a frieze board connector and faciaboard connector installed on a rafter.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a frieze board connector

FIG. 14C is a flat-pattern layout of a metal frieze board.

FIG. 15A is a ridge plate installed between roof trusses.

FIG. 15B is a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate.

FIG. 16A is a truss support installed on the top chord.

FIG. 16B is a flat-pattern layout for a truss support.

FIG. 17A is a front view of a banana clip with rasp holes.

FIG. 17B is a back view of a banana clip with rasp holes.

FIG. 17C is a top view of rasp holes.

FIG. 17D is a front view of rasp holes.

FIG. 18A is an angle iron and pipe for solar hot water.

FIG. 18B is a side view of a glass cover tube.

FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a glass hold down.

FIG. 18D shows the glass cover focal point.

FIG. 18E is a perspective view of a solar tube.

FIG. 18EA is a cross section of an eye.

FIG. 18F is a perspective view of an angle iron hold down.

FIG. 18G is a perspective view of a tapered washer.

FIG. 18GA is a cross section through a tapered washer.

FIG. 18H is a side view of a ball, washer, and nut.

FIG. 19A is a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor.

FIG. 19B is a front view of a roof anchor.

FIG. 19C is a front view of a roof anchor without serrations.

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of a one-piece roof anchor.

FIG. 20A is a flat pattern layout for a gable span, roof plate, and roofoverlay.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a gable span and roof plate attachedto a house.

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a gable span and roof plate.

FIG. 21A is a ridge plate with a bend line.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a latch mechanism.

FIG. 21C is a flat-pattern layout of a latch mechanism.

FIG. 21D is a perspective view of a latch mechanism from below.

FIG. 21E is a side view of latch mechanism prior to attachment.

FIG. 21F is a side view of latch mechanism at obtuse angle.

FIG. 21G is a side view of latch mechanism locked.

FIG. 22 is a flat pattern layout for a center gable plate.

FIG. 22A is a front view of a center gable plate attached to a house.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of seismic clips and a metal facia plateattached to a house.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a house showing preferred locationsfor previous connectors.

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a house showing more preferredlocations for previous connectors.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION FIG. 1A

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a right-hand seismic clip 1 for wood-frameconstructed homes. The upper part of the seismic clip 1 is attached to ahouse rafter. The bottom part is attached to the outside sheathing andunderlying top plate by a right-angle bend and a radius that clears thefrieze boards.

FIG. 1B

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a seismic clip. The upper part of thisinvention is discussed in previous patent application Ser. No.08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson, which is incorporated byreference. The improvement discussed in this continuation-in-part is forthe bottom web 2 of the clip and related embodiments.

Earthquake research has shown that the outside sheathing is one of themost important structures holding together a wood-framed building. Thesheathing prevents the building from racking as long as the nails keepthe sheathing tight to the walls.

Earth movements and hurricane-force winds can drive nails out of thesheathing, and the building will collapse if the sheathing falls off.The bottom part of the seismic clip 1 contains improvements that resistdamaging effects from earth movements. FIG. 1A shows the approximatelocation of embossment holes 4 that are improvements over previousinventions.

FIG. 1C

FIG. 1C shows a flat pattern layout of a seismic clip 1. It is aleft-hand one; a right-hand seismic clip 1 would be a mirror image withthe right angle bend in the opposite direction.

FIG. 1D

FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of a left-hand corner seismic clip 1A.Double right angle bends allow this clip to clear outside sheathing andcan be installed on the corner of a house.

FIG. 1E

FIG. 1E shows a flat pattern layout of a corner seismic clip 1A; dottedlines show where the right angle bends occur.

FIG. 1F

FIG. 1F shows a perspective view of a right-hand corner seismic clip 1A.Double right angle bends allow this clip to be installed on the cornerof a house as shown on FIG. 23.

FIG. 1G

FIG. 1G shows a flat pattern layout of a corner seismic clip 1A. Doubleright angle bends allow this clip to be installed on the corner of ahouse.

FIG. 1H

FIG. 1H shows a perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip 1 as seenfrom the outside wall sheathing. Nail holes 64 are also shown.

FIG. 1I

FIG. 1I shows a perspective view of the bottom web 2, which is the lowerpart of a seismic clip 1. This view shows the embossment holes 4. Anembossment hole 4 is round shaped with a raised edge. When the bottomweb 2 of the seismic clip 1 is attached to the outside sheathing, and anearth tremor shakes the building, the raised edge of the embossment hole4 will allow deflection without breaking or becoming disconnected. Thisclip will hold the sheathing tightly to the building wall and roof, butwill allow for deflection and transfer of forces using bushings6,12,15,16,or 17.

FIG. 1J

FIG. 1J shows a magnified cross-section or side view of the embossmentson the bottom web 2 of a seismic clip 1. The left side of the bottom web2 would be mounted against the outside sheathing of a wood-frame house,and bushings, or lag bolts with washers, would connect the bottom web tothe outside sheathing and underlying top plate and wall stud.

The embossment holes 4 are shown as they would be manufactured, from theright side of the bottom web. The embossing process puts a slightlyraised, smooth lip 3B around the embossment hole 4. Bushings or lagbolts would be inserted from this side and the outer radius 8B of abushing 6, or washer from a lag bolt would ride on this raised lip.

The embossing process puts a smooth lip 3B on the outside and a slightlyraised sharp flange 3A on the back part of the bottom web 2. The sharpedge of the flange 3A cuts into the outside sheathing when a fastener isinstalled, forming a tight connection.

This embossing process means less material is cut away from theembossment hole 4. It also produces more surface area at the sharpflange 3A for cutting into the sheathing on the left-hand side. Theembossing process adds material around the smooth lip 3B of theembossment hole 4 and cuts friction between the smooth lip 3B and outerradius 8B of the bushing 6.

Lag bolts with washers could be used in the embossment holes 4, as thewasher would bear on the smooth lip 3B, but the following embodiments ofbushings would be improvements.

Installing the seismic clip 1 on a house will tie the outside sheathingto the rafter, top plate, and wall stud. This will help make a housemore resistant to earth movements and strong winds.

The seismic clip 1 can be made from many materials, such as metal,plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The clip can be cast,forged, molded, or injected, but stamped sheet metal is preferable asthe quickest and most economical method for the process of making theclip and embossment holes 4 at the time of manufacture. Standard methodsof tool and die manufacture can be used to stamp out and make theseismic clip 1 and form the embossment holes 4.

FIG. 2A

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a Christmas tree bushing 6 for useon wood-frame houses. The bushing is inserted through embossment holes 4and forced into the outside sheathing and underlying wall studs. Theradius of the bushing is slightly smaller than the embossment holes 4 inorder to fit easily. When inserted through an embossment hole 4, intothe outside sheathing and underlying structural members, the barbedleaders 11 grip into the wood and will not dislodge during earthquakesor hurricanes.

The cap 8A of the Christmas tree bushing 6 is shaped like the primer endof a bullet cartridge, except the outer radius 8B of the cap 8A extendsbeyond the edge and the primer is a screw hole 10. The cap 8A allowsdifferent tools, such as a hammer, to force the bushing into the wall.

A screw 9 fits into the screw hole 10 after the Christmas tree bushingis inserted and forced into the outside sheathing andunderlying'structural members. Screwing and tightening the screw 9further expands the wood against the barbed leaders 11 forming a verytight connection against detaching forces.

FIG. 2B

FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a Christmas tree bushing 6. The barbedleaders 11 are show as they would be inserted through the embossmentholes 4 and driven into the outside sheathing. The cap 8A includes theouter radius 8B. Underneath the outer radius 8B of the cap 8A is abearing surface 7 that rides against the smooth lip 3A of the embossmentholes 4 on the seismic clip 1. The screw 9, that is attached into thescrew hole 10, has a relative thin shank with relatively thick threadthat helps hold the bushing so it doesn't twist or pull out.

FIG. 2C

FIG. 2C shows a side view of a Christmas tree bushing 6. The bottom partof the outer radius 8A contains the bearing surface 7 along the outsideof the bushing. The barbed leaders 11 are shown around an insidediameter inside of the bearing surface 7 and attached to the bottom ofthe cap 8A. The screw hole 10 is generally offset from the center of thecap 8A.

The Christmas tree bushing can be made from several materials includingmetal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The bushing can bemolded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but is preferably stampedfrom sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 2D

FIG. 2D shows a side view of the barbed leaders 11.

FIG. 2E

FIG. 2E shows a top view of the barbed leaders 11.

FIG. 2F

FIG. 2F shows the oblong shape of screw hole 10.

FIG. 2G

FIG. 2G shows in cross-section how screws 9 inserted through the oblongscrew hole 10 can have preferred angles up into the top plate or downinto the wall stud.

FIG. 3A

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a spiral bushing 12 for use onwood-frame houses. The cap 8A has an outer radius 8B similar in size andfunction to the Christmas tree bushing 6. In the approximate middle ofthe top of the cap is an attached hexagonal-shaped hex cap 14 similar insize and shape to the head of a common bolt. In the center is a screwhole 10.

The hex cap 14 can be turned by a wrench, but the preferred method ofrotation is by a impact socket wrench. The wrench can also be a standardSAE or metric ratchet or air gun wrench. When the spiral bushing isinserted into embossment hole 4, turning the hex cap clockwise, andpushing in, will drive the gyre 13 into the wood of the outsidesheathing and underlying structural members of the house.

The gyre 13 is shaped like a spiral with sharp ends, so that turning thehex cap 14 clockwise will drive the gyre 13 into the wood like a screw.The gyre 13 is superior to a screw because the sharp chisel face 13A ofthe spiral-shaped gyre cuts into the wood like chisels and wraps aroundthe wood fibers, instead of cutting and pushing apart wood fibers as ascrew would do.

The center of the hex cap 14 contains a screw hole 10. A screw 9 fitsinto the screw hole 10 after the spiral bushing is inserted into theoutside sheathing. Tightening the screw 9 expands the wood against thegyre 13 forming a tight connection.

FIG. 3B

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a spiral bushing 12. The hex cap 14 andscrew 9 is shown at the top of the cap 8A, and the bearing surface 7 isshown on the underside of the outer radius 8B. The gyre 13 are shownwith their spiral shape and sharp chisel face 13A edges at the bottom.

FIG. 3C

FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of a spiral bushing 12. The spiral edges ofthe gyre 13 are seen from the bottom of the sharp chisel faces 13A. Thisshows how the sharp chisel faces 13A cleave and wrap around the woodfibers, when spun in a clockwise direction. The underside of the cap 8A,and the bearing surface 7 is shown on the underside of the outer radius8B. The screw 9 extends through the screw hole 10 helping the bushingfasten against the outer sheathing and underlying structural members, byhelping spread the wood fibers tightly against the gyre 13.

FIG. 3D

FIG. 3D shows a side view of a hold-down screw 9 with large head.

FIG. 3E

FIG. 3E shows a centering guide pin 9A, with allen head, which guidesthe spiral bushing through embossment holes 4. The allen head allows thecentering guide pin 9A to be withdrawn after the spiral bushing isstarted, then a hold-down screw 9 can be installed in its place.

The spiral bushing can be made from several materials including metal,plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The bushing can bemolded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but is preferably stampedand formed from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 4A

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a physical bushing 15 for use onmasonry buildings. The cap 8A is similar to the Christmas tree andspiral bushings except the top is bare. The outer radius 8B contains abearing surface 7 on its underside for riding against the smooth lip 3Bof an embossment hole 26 on a tomahawk clip 25, or other connector withembossments.

The top part of a tomahawk clip 25 is held in place against a rafter andthe position of the embossment holes 26 are marked on the concrete-blockor bricks. A carbide-tipped drill bit, used for drilling core holes inrock, and with a diameter of its sleeve similar to the diameter of thecylinder 18, is used to drill at the marked spots, into the masonry adistance approximately equal to the length of the cylinder 18.

Instead of a hole, the core drill forms a round sleeve with a similardiameter as the cylinder 18 of the bushing. When the sleeve is drilled,the core remains in the hole, still attached at the backside to themasonry.

The core of the brick or concrete-block provides additional support andstrength, and extra surface area for the cylinder 18, when epoxy isinjected into the drilled sleeve.

FIG. 4B

FIG. 4B shows a perspective drawing from the bottom end of a physicalbushing. The cylinder 18 has a diameter slightly smaller than theembossment hole 26, so it can fit without any interference. The cylinderhas a hole 18A at the bottom with an expansion slot 18B on its side.

The expansion slot 18B is triangular shaped and ends part way down thecylinder 18. The expansion slot 18B allows the end of the cylinder to beslightly flared to the outside. Inserting the cylinder 18 into thedrilled hole slightly compresses this flared end, holding the cylinder18 into the drilled hole.

Standard epoxy is inserted into the drilled sleeve before the physicalbushing 15 is inserted. The expansion slot 18B helps hold the cylinder18 in position while the epoxy sets and dries. Epoxy is squeezed intothe hole 18A, helping form better adhesion. Excess epoxy is squeezed outthe excess hole 18C. Once the epoxy dries, the physical bushing 15 holdsthe tomahawk clip 25 securely to the wall. The top part of the tomahawkclip is secured to a gable end by wood bushings or lag bolts andwashers.

FIG. 4C

FIG. 4C shows a longitudinal cross-section through a physical bushing.

The physical bushing can be made from several materials including metal,plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or combination of materials. Thebushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but ispreferably stamped from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 5A

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a tapered wedge bushing 16 for useon masonry buildings. The cap 8A is similar to the Christmas tree,spiral, and physical bushings except that a bolt 20A is located in ahole in the approximate center of the cap 8A. The bolt can turn freelyand is screwed into a threaded hole 20C in the back 20B of the lowertruncated cylinder. This bushing can be used for masonry buildings,where a core drill is not available, and a common carbide drill bit isavailable with a diameter similar to the diameter of the two truncatedcylinders.

The tapered wedge bushing 16 is inserted through embossment holes 26 ofa tomahawk clip 25 and into a drilled hole in the masonry, using acommon carbide drill bit with a diameter similar to the diameter of thecylindrical end of the bushing.

The cylindrical end that is inserted into the drilled hole consists oftwo truncated cylinders. The top truncated cylinder has the cap 8A andbolt 20A attached and is referred to as the top wedge 19A. The lowertruncated cylinder has the back 20B and is referred to as the lowerwedge 19B.

FIG. 5B

FIG. 5B shows a side view of a tapered wedge bushing 16. On the left isthe cap 8A containing the free-spinning bolt 20A. The outer radius 8Bcontains the bearing surface 7 that rides against the smooth lip 3B ofembossment holes 26.

Right or below the bearing surface 7 are the truncated cylinders. Theupper truncated surface 19C of the upper wedge 19A fits against thelower truncated surface 19D of the lower wedge 19B. This side view showsthat the threaded hole 20C, for the free-spinning bolt 20A, is offsetfrom the center of the back 20B.

When the bolt 20A is turned clockwise, it screws deeper into thethreaded hole 20C in the back 20B, pulling the bottom wedge 19B close tothe top wedge 19A. Once the upper truncated surface 19C contacts thelower truncated surface 19D, they slide against each other.

In this view, the bottom wedge 19B would be forced up and the top wedge19A would be forced down. Further tightening of the bolt 20A forces thebottom wedge 19B and the top wedge 19A against the walls of the drilledhole. This secures the tapered wedge bushing 16 and tomahawk securely tothe masonry of the house. Standard epoxy can be used in the hole toprovide extra holding power, as the bushing would be tight against thehole as the epoxy hardens.

The tapered wedge bushing 16 can be made from several materialsincluding metal, plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or combination ofmaterials. The bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, orinjected, but the top wedge 19A is preferably stamped from sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods, and the lower wedge 19B ispreferably cast metal.

FIG. 6A

Post-and-beam houses are common in the tropics because they are veryopen and airy. Roof loads are transferred to heavy beams and posts madeof thick timbers. In order to secure the corner of the house, one of theweakest parts of a house during a hurricane, and a focal point of stressduring seismic activity, a heavy-duty clamp 21 and heavy-duty bushing 17should be used to hold down a seismic clip.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of a heavy-duty bushing 17, which is basicallya Christmas tree bushing with an extended head 5 and longer screw 9. Thebarbed leaders 11 are similar to those on a Christmas tree bushing 6,but the cap 8A is missing, and replaced with an extended head 5. Theouter radius 8B and bearing surface 7 are in the same general locationas on a Christmas tree bushing 6. The screw 9 is longer than one on aChristmas tree bushing 6 because the heavy-duty bushing 17 is longer.

FIG. 6B

FIG. 6B shows a front view of a heavy-duty bushing 17 with screw hole10, outer radius 8B, and extended head 5.

The bushing is inserted into embossment holes just as the other bushingsare utilized. The outer radius 8B and underlying bearing surface 7contact the embossment hole 4 of the seismic clip 1, but the extendedhead 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17 is utilized in combination with aseismic clip 1 and heavy-duty clamp 21. The heavy-duty bushing 17fastens a seismic clip 1 to a rafter, outside sheathing, and underlyingstructural members by being forced into the sheathing and screwed tight.A heavy-duty clamp 21 is then put over the seismic clip 1 and extendedhead 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17.

FIG. 6C

FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp 21 fortimber-framed houses. One of the most important problem solvingsolutions of the heavy-duty clamp 21 is in securely tieing the outsidesheathing to the numerous underlying structural members of the house.

The heavy-duty clamp 21 has a bridge 43 in the center with a left wing44B and right wing 44A attached at short, right-angle bends 32A. Bothwings 44A and 44B contain nail holes 41. The bridge 43 contains a hole18A.

FIG. 6D

FIG. 6D shows the heavy-duty clamp 21 installed over a seismic clip 1,which is held down by a heavy-duty bushing 17. The center bridge 43 hasa height and width that is formed by the short, right-angle bends 32A.The height and width of the bridge 43 allows the heavy-duty clamp 21 tostraddle a seismic clip 1.

The hole 18A on the bridge 43 is slightly larger than the extended head5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17. This allows the heavy-duty clamp 21 tobe placed over a seismic clip 1 that has been fastened to outsidesheathing, and also over the extended head 5 of a heavy-duty bushing 17.Then screws or nails are driven through the nail holes 41 of the leftand right wings 44A and 44B into the outside sheathing and into theunderlying top plate or header beam.

When a heavy-duty clamp 21 is attached over the seismic clip 1, over aheavy-duty bushing 17, and into the sheathing, it helps make the housemuch more resistant to earthquakes and high winds. This combination alsohelps prevent double shear.

The heavy-duty clamp 21 and heavy-duty bushing 17 can be made fromdifferent materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, or combination ofmaterials. The preferred method is stamped sheet metal using standardtool and die methods.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a tomahawk connector 25. The preferred usewould be installed on a wood-frame house with wood gable and roof. Themost important problem-solving solutions of the tomahawk connector is insecurely tieing the outside sheathing to the underlying structuralmembers of the house, and keeping the gable end of a roof from beingblown from a building. The tomahawk connector 25 consists of a mostlyflat plate with a top web 25A and bottom web 25B with embossment holes26.

On most wood-frame houses, the gable end is constructed of wood. Duringhurricanes, the gable end can be blown out of the building due to thehigh pressures inside a house compared to the low pressure of windblowing over and around the building. During earthquakes, the gable endcan be shaken out if not securely tied into the roof and other walls.

The tomahawk connector 25 shown in FIG. 7 is left-handed, and would beinstalled as shown on the left-side of a gable wall. The preferred typeof wood house would be where the rafters were made on site. The tomahawkconnector 25 is installed at the junction of the hip wall, gablesheathing, and roof line. The outside edge 27A of the tomahawk clip 25is aligned with the outer edge of the building and the upper or top edge27B is aligned with the roof. Once it is lined up, Christmas tree orspiral bushings are used to fasten the connector to the house.

The embossment holes 26 of the upper web 25A are located over theoutside sheathing and the underlying rafter, joist, or top plate,depending on if the building was constructed with rafters or rooftrusses. A lag bolt and washer could be used, but a Christmas treebushing or spiral bushing would be preferred to install the upper web25A to the gable end.

On many concrete-block and brick houses, the gable end is constructed ofwood. During hurricanes, the gable end can be blown out of the buildingdue to the high pressures inside a house compared to the low pressure ofwind blowing over and around the building. During earthquakes, differentflexibility properties of wood and masonry make this area unstable.

On masonry houses with a wood gable end, the tomahawk connector 25 canbe used to fasten the gable end to the roof and masonry walls. Thetomahawk connector 25 is positioned so the top edge is against the roofand the outer edge is against the outer wall, as for a wood house. Theembossment holes 26 are marked and drilled in the bricks for physical ortapered wedge bushings.

This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most important jointsin the corner of a building. The bricks or concrete-blocks from two sidewalls are usually fastened together by the mason during construction.The embossment holes 26 of the bottom web 25B are located over thesebricks and a physical bushing 15 or tapered wedge bushing 16 can be usedto lock the bottom web 25B to the brick wall. Christmas tree 6 or spiral12 bushings would be used to install the upper web 25A onto the outersheathing of the gable end, and underlying structural members.

The right-hand tomahawk clip 25 would be a mirror image, and would fiton the right side of the gable end. The tomahawk clip 25 can be madefrom many materials, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metalusing standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 8A

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tee connector 22 on the gable end ofa wood-frame house. If the rafters were crafted onsite, the teeconnector 22 secures the outside sheathing to the rafter, top plate, andwall stud. If the roof were built using trusses, the tee connector 22secures the outside sheathing to the rafter or top chord, bottom chord,and wall stud.

Many houses have been constructed with pre-manufactured roof trusses.These roof members are very strong in compression due to the crossbracing and close tolerances in building methods at the factory. Many ofthese roofs support heavy clay tiles. However, the assembly and bracingat the home site are not well controlled, especially the attachment andbracing methods.

Many of the trusses are toe-nailed to the top plate and bracing wasminimal or nonexistent. Any bracing was primarily to keep the trussesfrom tipping over. The stability of the trusses comes from the roofsheathing. Only a few nails keep the gable end roof truss from beingblown out during a tornado and hurricane, or from being shaken outduring an earthquake.

Factory-made trusses are a quick and economical way of making roofs forhouses. They are strong in compressive loads, but they are weak induring wind forces opposing the gable end. The gable ends of truss roofsare primarily weak against pressure differentials of high pressure inthe house compared to low outside pressure during hurricanes.Earthquakes can cause the gable end sheathing to fall out.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a tee connector 22. One of the most importantproblem solving solutions of this embodiment is in securely tieing theoutside sheathing to the numerous structural members of the house.

The tee connector 22 consists of a mostly flat metal plate with a crownweb 28A, root web 28B, and trigger web 28E. All webs contain embossmentholes 26 and or nail holes 41. On a house with rafters constructed onsite, the tee connector 22 is installed on the outside sheathing, at thejunction of the underlying rafter, corner stud, and top plates from twowalls.

The exterior edge 28C of the tee connector 22 is aligned approximatelywith the outer edge of the building, and the upper or summit edge 28D isaligned with the underside of the roof. Once it is lined up, spiral orChristmas tree bushings can attach the tee connector to the gable end,or the locations of the embossment holes 26 can be marked and drilledfor lag bolts.

This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most important jointsin the corner of a building. The rafter, corner stud, and top platesfrom two walls meet at this junction, and the outside sheathing coverseach of these structural members.

The embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 along the crown web 28A line upwith the rafter, the embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 along the rootweb 28B line up with the top plate and wall stud, and the embossmentholes 26 or nailholes 41 of the trigger web 28E line up with the topplate. Right angle bends 32A allow the rafter web 28F to wrap around thecorner. Securing the sheathing firmly to each member will make a housemore resistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

FIG. 8B

FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee connector. On houses constructed withroof trusses, the tee connector 22 is installed on the outside sheathingof a house, at the junction of the underlying rafter or top chord,corner stud, bottom chord, and top plates from two walls. The exterioredge 28C of the tee connector 22 is aligned approximately with the outeredge of the building, and the upper or summit edge 28B is alignedapproximately with the roof. Spiral or Christmas tree bushings 6 or 12,nails, screws or lag bolts can attach the tee connector 22 to the gableend.

This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most important jointsin the corner of a roof-truss building. The embossment holes 26 alongthe crown web 28A line up with the rafter or top chord, the embossmentholes 26 or nail holes 41 along the root web 28B line up with the topplate and wall stud, and the embossment holes 26 and nail holes 41 ofthe trigger web 28E line up with the bottom chord and top plate.

The rafter or top chord, corner stud, ceiling joist and top plates fromtwo walls meet at the gable junction. The outside sheathing covers eachof these structural members, and securing the sheathing firmly to eachmember will make a house more resistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, andearthquakes.

The most important problem solving solutions of this invention is insecurely tieing the outside sheathing to the numerous underlyingstructural members of the house, and preventing the gable end fromblowing out.

The tee connector 22 can be made from many materials, but the preferredmethod is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 9A

FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector 24. This connector isdesigned for post-and-beam wood houses where the main wall beam extendsout beyond the gable end.

The mickey connector 24 consists of a mostly flat metal plate with twowebs, that is preferably made of stamped sheet metal. The pinnacle web31A and tuber web 31B contain embossment holes 26, and the tuber web 31Bcontains a right-angle bend 32A and dog leg 32B.

The mickey connector 24 is installed on the outside sheathing of thegable end of a house, at the junction of the underlying rafter andceiling joist, and the exposed wall beam. The mickey connector 24 isaligned so that the pinnacle web 31A is flush against the roof line, andthe dog leg 32B is against the wall beam sticking out of the house.

When the mickey connector 24 is aligned like so, and fastened withbushings or lag bolts, the pinnacle web 31A and tuber web 31B fastensthe outside sheathing to the underlying rafter and ceiling joistrespectively. The dog leg 32B is fastened to the exposed wall beam. Thisconnection ties the hip wall securely to the gable end and helps preventthe gable end from being blown in or out by strong winds.

The dog leg 32B connected to the exposed wall beam has its fastenersconnected perpendicular to the wall beam. In a strong wind storm, thefasteners would have to be sheared in order for the gable end to beblown out of a house.

FIG. 9B

FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector showing the right anglebend 32A and dog leg 32B. The dog leg 32B is attached to the exposedwall beam through nail holes 63, while the pinnacle web 31A and tuberweb 31B attach to the gable end through nail holes 63 and or embossmentholes 26. This connector ties the gable end and the underlyingstructural members to the hip wall of a house. This keeps the gable endof a house from being blown out or disconnected, and helps transfer andabsorb forces from a hurricane or seismic activity.

FIG. 10A

FIG. 10A shows a front view of a banana clip 23. This connector isattached to the outside sheathing and underlying structural members ofthe bottom part of a wall. One of the most important problem-solvingsolutions of this embodiment is in securely tieing the outside sheathingto the structural members of the wall and floor, including the wall studand sill plate.

The banana clip 23 is banana-shaped so that water will run off thezenith edge 29A and roll off the foot edge 29B. By being long and wide,the surface area prevents the outer sheathing from splitting, andprevents the wall from racking.

On a stud-wall constructed house, the banana clip 23 is installed on theoutside sheathing of a house at the junction where the underlying wallstud S and sole plate SP are joined together. A stud finder can be usedto find and mark the wall stud locations and sole plate on the outsidesheathing. The banana clip is installed so that the mid point of thelong dimension is over the middle of the wall stud and the end points ofthe long dimension are over the middle of the sole plate.

This alignment puts the embossment holes 26 over the most important linkin stud-wall construction. The wall stud and sole plate meet at thisjunction, and are usually toe-nailed, which is a weak connection.Christmas tree 6, spiral bushings 12, nails, or lag bolts can attach thebanana clip 23 to the outer sheathing and underlying wall stud S andsole plate SP.

On some stud-wall, and many post-and-beam constructed houses, the studsmay rest on a sill plate, or the posts may not be attached to a soleplate. In this case, the banana clip 26 is installed on the outersheathing, where the post rests on the sill. This would tie the outsidesheathing to the post and sill plate. It would prevent the bottom edgeof the sheathing from splitting, pulling away from the wall, and preventthe wall from racking.

FIG. 10B

FIG. 10B shows the back view of a banana clip 23. Attached to the backof the banana clip 23 are teeth 30, and the zenith edge 29A that gripthe outside sheathing. During a hurricane the wall wants to lift andblow out; during an earthquake the wall wants to rack or move parallelto its length.

When the back of a banana clip 23 is attached to the outside sheathingand underlying structural members, the teeth 30 prevent upward and sideto side movement of the outside sheathing because of the shape of theteeth 30 and the curve of the banana clip 23.

FIG. 10C

FIG. 10C shows a magnified view of two teeth 30 on the back of a bananaclip 23. The teeth 30 are punched from the viewers side so the teeth 30would angle out the back of the paper and dig into the sheathing. Theteeth 30 are angled down and slightly sideways to form rasp holes 50.When these teeth bite into the outside sheathing, they prevent upliftingor racking motions to a wall.

FIG. 10CA

FIG. 10CA shows a perspective view of a tooth 30. The rasp hole 50 isdrawn lightly to show the sharp edge of a tooth 30. These teeth looklike a cheese grater, but they can have other shapes.

FIGS. 10D-10DE

FIGS. 10D-10DE shows a side, bottom, and top view of how different teeth30 can be punched into a banana clip 23 or other clips that attach ontothe outside sheathing, using various common methods of sheet metalforming.

FIG. 10D

FIG. 10D shows a front view of another embodiment of a banana clip 23with unique teeth 30 formed by different sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DA

FIG. 10DA shows a side view of another embodiment of a banana clip 23with teeth 30 formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming. Thefront of the banana clip 23 is to the right, and the zenith edge 29A ison the top. These teeth 30 are on the left and right edge of the bananaclip 23.

FIG. 10DB

FIG. 10DB shows a top view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed in adifferent manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DC

FIG. 10DC shows a bottom view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed in adifferent manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DD

FIG. 10DD shows a side view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed in adifferent manor of sheet metal forming.

FIG. 10DE

FIG. 10DE shows a side view of another embodiment of teeth 30 formed ina different manor of sheet metal forming, without forming rasp holes 50.These teeth 30 are the six teeth in the middle of the banana clip 23 inFIG. 10D. The zenith edge 29A is at the top and the front side is to theright.

FIG. 10E

FIG. 10E shows a back view of banana clip 23 with the zenith edge 29A atthe top, and teeth 30 along the back.

FIG. 10EA

FIG. 10EA shows a side view of the teeth 30, at the left and right endsof the banana clip 23, bent out.

By securing the banana clip 23 to the outside sheathing and underlyingwall stud and sole plate, through the embossment holes, the connectionis made secure. Depending on how the house was constructed, the outsidesheathing covers the wall studs, sole plate, header, and sill plate.Securing the sheathing firmly to each member will make a house moreresistant to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

The banana clip can be made of many different materials, but thepreferred method is stamped sheet metal.

FIG. 11A

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip 33. This connector isattached to the outside sheathing and underlying structural members atthe corner of a wall using embossment holes 26 and nail holes 41. One ofthe most important problem solving solutions of this embodiment is insecurely tieing the outside sheathing to the corner post and structuralmembers of the wall, and tieing the two walls together.

On some types of houses, the end column or corner post may be missingfrom the wall. Some houses may have a window in the corner. Duringseismic or high wind loads, the corner post may not have enoughlateral-load transfer capacity to absorb or transfer the pressure forceto other walls.

The corner clip 33 can be located on the top (near the roof), in themiddle, and bottom (near the floor), of a corner in order to tie theoutside sheathing of both walls together. This will stiffen the wallsand help them transfer and absorb lateral forces.

FIG. 11A shows the corner clip 33 at the bottom of a corner, securingthe outside sheathing to the corner post and sill plate from bothintersecting walls. If the corner clip 33 were attached to the upperpart of a corner, it would tie the walls together and the sheathing tothe underlying top plate and corner post. The corner clip 33 has a rightangle bend 32A along the tallest edge. This enables the corner clip 33to wrap around a corner and be fastened to the outside sheathing fromboth walls.

Along the slope 33A, the corner clip 33 is shaped like a playgroundslide in order to shed water easily. This shape is also architecturallypleasing and adds strength to the clip. By being L-shaped, the cornerclip 33 has embossment holes 26 along the muffle edge 33B and nail holes41 for attachment along the outside sheathing and to the underlyingstructural members. The corner clip 33 also prevents the outer sheathingfrom splitting and has more surface area to prevent the wall fromracking.

FIG. 11B

FIG. 11B shows a flat-pattern lay out for a corner clip 33. The cornerclip would preferably be formed from stamped sheet metal, but can beformed from other materials and other methods.

FIG. 12A

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a gable connector 34, and roofplate 36, as it would be installed on the outside of a wood frame house.The gable connector 34 looks like an angle-iron member with a prime web34A and rump web 34B, joined by a right-angle bend 32A.

The rump web 34B contains embossment holes 26 near the ends. Christmastree bushings 6, spiral bushings 12, or lag bolts would be used toattach the rump web 34B to the outside sheathing of a gable end and theunderlying rafter. The gable connector 34 is installed under the eaves,with the rump web 34B against the gable wall and the prime web 34Aagainst the bottom of the overhanging roof.

The prime web 34A has bolt slots 35 at either end that can accommodate acarriage bolt 37A. The gable connector 34 is held against the gable walland the bottom of the roof. Holes are marked on the bottom of the roof,in line with the bolt slots 35, and then drilled with a common drillbit. The rump web 34B is attached to the gable wall with Christmas treebushings 6 and screws 9 or lag bolts. 34

FIG. 12B

FIG. 12B shows a flat pattern layout for a gable connector 34. It can beformed from different materials and using different methods, but thepreferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and diemethods.

FIG. 12C

FIG. 12C shows a top view and a flat pattern layout of a roof plate 36.The roof plate 36 is mostly rectangular with square carriage bolt holes37 the same distance apart as the bolt slots 35 on the prime web 34A.From the top of the roof, as shown in FIG. 12A, carriage bolts 37A areinserted through square carriage bolt holes 37 in the roof plate 36,which is placed over the pre-drilled holes. The carriage bolts 37A gothrough the roof plate 36, and rubber gasket 61, through the roofcladding, through the roof sheathing, into the bolt slots 35 of theprime web 34A on the gable connector 34 and screwed tight with nuts 37Bfrom below.

A standard rubber washer can be used around the carriage bolt 37A on topof the roof, in order to prevent rain from entering the hole. As shownon FIG. 12A, a rubber or neoprene pad 61 can be used under the roofplate 36 in order to make the connection water tight and absorb forcesfrom seismic or strong winds.

The carriage bolt 37A and square carriage bolt hole 37 allows one personto install and lock the screw from the bottom of the roof, withoutanyone holding the carriage bolt 37A from the top of the roof. The boltslot 35 has slight side play so that the hole drilled through the roofcan be slightly off.

When the carriage bolt 37A is tightened using the nut 37B on the primeweb 34A, the roof plate 36 is secured against the roof cladding. Theunderlying roof sheathing is now secured against the top of the gableend rafter. The roof plate can be covered with shingles or tar, butsince it is outside the house proper, it can not leak to the inside ofthe house.

Underneath the roof, the outside sheathing of the gable end is securedto the underlying structural member, including the gable end rafter, bythe rump web 34B.

Installing a gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 on the gable end of ahouse ties together the roof sheathing, gable end outside sheathing, andgable end rafter. These connectors prevent the roof from being lifted upat the weak gable end, even if there is a long lookout. The connectorsalso help prevent the gable end wall from being separated from the roof,a very weak attachment on existing houses, according to pictures ofdamage from Hurricane Andrew. These connectors also help keep the roofsheathing attached to the roof at the gable end, which was another weakpoint during Hurricane Andrew.

The gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 can be made from manymaterials, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal usingstandard tool and die methods.

FIG. 13

The tail part of a rafter, that hangs over the top plate, and extendsbeyond the wall is called the overhang. Sometimes, carpenters willattach a thin board on the ends of the rafter as an architectural memberto finish off the sawn ends of the rafter or the tail cut. This cut maynot be exactly even on each rafter and may or may not be covered by athin facia board which provides little or no structural integrity.

For new construction, roof trusses are made in jigs at the factory sothe tail cuts should be equal and even. Many may have facia boardsattached to the tail cut, but the thin boards provide little or nostructural integrity to the roof.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a metal facia plate 38 tyingtogether two rafters. The length is approximately equal to the distancebetween standard construction methods of rafter placement (usually 16 or24 inches-on-center). The height of the metal facia plate 38 isapproximately equal to standard lumber measurements. The length andheight could be modified to be any combination of standard lumberdimensions or larger timber-frame construction, glue-lam, or plywoodI-beam dimensions.

The metal facia plate 38 is installed to the rafters by tabs 40 thatcontain nail holes 41. The tabs 40 are bent approximately at rightangles bends 32A to the main slat 38A. The main slat 38A containsstrengthening ribs 39 that help resist bending and twisting. The rooftab 38B has screw holes 10, that can be used to attach the metal faciaplate 38 to the roof sheathing.

A metal facia plate 38 can be installed on a house as it is beingconstructed, and can be installed as a retrofit on existing houses. Themetal facia plate 38 ties the ends of the rafters securely together asone unit. It also helps prevent the rafter or roof truss from twistingor racking during installation, and prevents the rafter overhang frommoving during wind storms. If a rafter overhang twists or lifts, it cancause separation of the roof from the wall and separation of the roofsheathing from the roof.

FIG. 14A

Frieze boards are installed on a house to prevent the introduction ofinsects and vermin into a house between the rafters, wall, and roof.Usually thin strips of boards are cut to size and toe-nailed betweeneach rafter. The board is thin, and provides little structural integrityto the roof or wall, because toenailing is a weak means of attachment.

FIG. 14A shows a metal frieze plate 42 installed on a wood house betweentwo rafters at the junction of the wall. The length is approximatelyequal to the distance between standard construction methods of rafterplacement (usually 16 or 24 inches-on-center). The height of the metalfrieze plate 42 is approximately equal to standard lumber measurements.The length and height could be modified to be any combination ofstandard lumber dimensions or larger timber-frame construction,glue-lam, or plywood I-beam dimensions.

This makes measuring for rafter placement unnecessary after the firstrafter is installed on a house because the metal frieze plate 42 isstandard construction dimensions and would make rafter placement veryaccurate on new construction. The metal frieze plate 42 has standardconstruction dimensions so that wooden frieze boards don't have to becut, sometimes inaccurately.

The metal frieze plate 42 has ventilation ribs 42B on the major slat42A. The ventilation ribs 42B add strength and provide ventilation tothe attic or crawl space above the ceiling, by allowing air exchanges.In case of a hurricane, the ventilation ribs 42B allow the high pressureinside a house to equalize with low pressure air blowing along the sidewall of a house, as occurs in the Bernoulli Effects.

FIG. 14A shows the attachment of a metal frieze plate 42 to the raftersby means of tabs 40, bent at right angle bends 32A. The tabs 40 havenail holes 41 and embossment holes 26 to make the rafter attachment verysecure. The bottom part (below dashed line) of the major slat 42A (abovedashed line) contains an extension called a top plate tab 42C. The topplate tab 42C has nail holes 41 for attachment to the outside sheathingand underlying top plate.

The rafters in this drawing are 2×6's, 16 inches-on center. Thedimensions of the metal frieze plate 42 would let the carpenterconstructing the house install the adjacent rafter board withoutmeasuring. Attachment of each metal frieze plate 42 would insure thateach rafter is exactly equal distance from the previous one.

A metal frieze plate 42 can be installed as a connector duringconstruction of a house, or can be installed as a retrofit on existinghouses. When a house is being constructed, a metal frieze plate 42 canbe used to accurately space the distance between rafters or rooftrusses. The metal frieze plate 42 can also be used anywhere along thevertical length of a rafter or truss, not just at the outside wall. Itcan also tie together the rafter, top plate, outside sheathing, and roofsheathing.

As a retrofit, houses built with soffit boards usually have nostructural connection between the rafter and outside sheathing. Theconnection between the rafter, top plate, and roof sheathing is weak dueto toe-nailing or staples.

The soffit is a non-structural covering between the wall and overhang ofthe rafter. By removing the soffit, a metal frieze plate 42 can be usedto securely tie the rafter, top plate, outside sheathing, and roofsheathing together.

The metal frieze plate 42 performs more functions than prior arthurricane clips for new construction. It is stronger, it ties togethermore structural members, it speeds assembly of a house, and it can beinstalled on new construction or as a retrofit.

FIG. 14B

FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a metal frieze plate 42 with thetabs 40 bent forward at a right angle forming a right wing 44A and leftwing 44B. The tabs 40 can also be bent backwards at a right angle sothat they will not be visible on new construction. The metal friezeplate 42 can also be used to space rafters near the roof beam, or tospace roof trusses near the roof peak. When metal frieze boards areinstalled near the roof peak, they provide great stability to therafters or roof trusses, and protect against racking or tipping of thetrusses.

If there is an attic that is going to be used for living space, a metalfrieze plate 42 can provide stability to the rafters and provideventilation from the soffit area up to the roof peak and along a ridgevent, using cardboard or other nonflammable tubes or boards.

FIG. 14C

FIG. 14C shows a flat pattern layout for a frieze plate 42 prior tobending. Stamped sheet metal is the preferred method for making thisembodiment. The same tool and die can be used to make a metal faciaplate 38; the top plate tab 42C can be bent at a right angle to make abox-section with the right wing 44A, left wing 44B, and roof tab 38B.This can provide strength against twisting and can provide support for awood facia board to cover the metal facia plates 38.

FIG. 15A

FIG. 15A shows a ridge plate 46 installed between roof trusses. Theridge plate 46 contains rafter tabs 47 that are bent down atapproximately right angle bends 32A. A bend line 47B and cutouts 47Aallow the ridge plate 46 to be bent to fit any slope of roof. The ridgeplate 46 can be attached to the roof trusses during construction, or asa retrofit to existing buildings.

The roof trusses are very strong in compression, but are weak in side orlateral loads until the roof sheathing is applied. When a house is beingconstructed there may be a long delay from when the trusses areinstalled until the roof sheathing is applied. Most roof sheathing isstill applied with staples, which are weak.

The ridge plate 46 has a preferred location at or near the ridge of theroof. The length is standard construction distance between rafters. Itcan be installed right-side up or upside-down, as long as nails orscrews can be driven through the rafter tabs 47 into the rafters or topchords. Since the length of the ridge plate 46 is standard, carpenterscan install the truss quickly and safely, because most distancemeasurements between the rafters or trusses is eliminated. When theridge plate 46 is fastened to the previous truss, there is less chanceof the truss being blown over on top of the carpenter or other workers.

When the ridge plate 46 is installed as a retrofit from below the roof,a roof plate 36 could be used to tie the roof sheathing securely to theridge plate 46. The ridge plate 46 can be installed below the ridge lineof a house and can be used with the other embodiments of this inventionincluding a metal facia plate 38 and metal frieze plate 42.

FIG. 15B

FIG. 15B shows a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate 46 showing thebend line 47B, right-angle bend 32A, rafter tabs 47, cutouts 47A, andnail holes 41. The ridge plate 46 can be made from many materials and bymany methods, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal usingstandard tool and die methods.

FIG. 16A

FIG. 16A shows a truss support 48 installed on the top chord of a rooftruss. The truss support 48 fits over the top chord of two trusses,tying them together tightly. To tie all the roof trusses together thetruss supports 48 would be staggered, with the next truss joined aboveor below the preceding one. Staggering the truss supports 48 allows themto be attached easily, and provides more strength.

The truss support consists of a long dimension of approximately standardconstruction width between trusses, plus the thickness or width of twotrusses. At either end of this length are two right-angle bends 32Awhich form truss tabs 48A with nail holes 41. Along the approximatemiddle of the long dimension is a bend line 47B.

About the width of a truss member from the right-angle bend 32A is asmall punched-out opening 49A. The opening 49A is formed when a smallright-angle bend 32A is punched from above. The small right-angle bend32A forms a truss brace 49 with a nail hole 41.

When constructing a building with roof trusses, the trusses are liftedinto position and a truss support 48 is placed over two adjoiningtrusses. The inside dimension between the two truss braces 49 is thestandard distance between trusses as used throughout the constructionindustry. When the truss support 48 is placed over two roof trusses,they can be nailed or screwed from underneath. The distance betweentrusses will be very accurately spaced by the truss support 48.

Measuring the distance between trusses is now superfluous, plus thesafety is greatly increased as the trusses can not separate from eachother. When the trusses are securely tied to each other by trusssupports 48, the roof is much stronger. Roof sheathing can be appliedover the truss supports 48 and nailed to the roof truss through theopening 49A. Truss supports 48 can be installed on the wall studs, andon either side of a roof, and along other roofing members includingrafters and roof joists. Roof plates 36 can secure the roof similar toFIG. 15A.

FIG. 16B

FIG. 16B shows a flat-pattern layout for a truss support 48 showing thebend line 47B, large right-angle bend 32A, truss tabs 48A, cutouts 47A,small right-angle bends 32A, truss braces 49, openings 49A, and nailholes 41. The truss support 48 can be made from many materials and bymany methods, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal usingstandard tool and die methods.

FIG. 17A

FIG. 17A shows a front view of a different embodiment of a banana clip23. The banana clip 23 has a different arc and is of different dimensionthan that in FIG. 10A. The teeth 30 are spaced differently and thenailholes 41 are spaced differently.

FIG. 17B

FIG. 17B shows a back view of the banana clip 30 shown in FIG. 17A. Theteeth 30 are stamped to the back as is the zenith edge 29A.

FIG. 17C

FIG. 17C shows a top view of two rasp holes 50. The rasp hole 50 helpsprevent cross-grain bearing failure of wood. The rasp hole 50 consistsof a crown 50A and chisel wedge 50B. Rasp holes 50 can be stamped intometal during the forming process. The chisel wedge 50B, formed by thecrown 50A, would dig into wood to prevent cross-grain failure.

FIG. 17D

FIG. 17D shows the front view of rasp holes 50, crown 50A, and chiselwedge 50B during the stamping of teeth 30 by tool and die methods. Therasp hole 50 would work royal with a banana clip 23 or other connectorsthat hold down the outside sheathing.

Outside sheathing splits very easily, and rasp holes 50 may help preventthis splitting.

FIGS. 18A-H

FIGS. 18A-H shows an improvement for the pipe that holds down a roof.Part of this invention is discussed in previous patent application Ser.No. 08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson which is incorporated byreference. The improvement discussed in this continuation-in-part is forheating hot water in the pipe by solar energy collection in a solar tube54.

FIG. 18A shows a pipe 51 resting on an angle-iron member 52, and iscovered with a glass cover tube 53 from FIG. 18B, and held down with aglass hold down 53A from FIG. 18C. The pipe 51 is still held fast to theroof, at places in between the solar tubes 54, by a roof fastener,discussed in my previous patent application.

FIG. 18A

FIG. 18A shows a standard angle-iron member 52 which supports theone-piece heat absorbing black tubing pipe 51 and provides insulationand heat from a reflective coating. The dead air space between the glasscover tube 53 and pipe 51 also provides insulation. Insulation can beused to block the ends of the solar tubes 54.

FIG. 18B

FIG. 18B shows a glass cover tube 53. The glass cover tube 53 fits overthe angle iron member 52, after the angle iron member 52 is secured withan angle iron hold down 52A to the solar tube 54. The glass cover tube53 is sealed to the angle iron hold down 52A by a gasket 36B.

FIG. 18C

FIG. 18C shows a glass hold down 53A that would secure the glass covertube 53 to the angle iron member 52 and angle iron hold down 52A. Athreaded bolt extends through bolt holes 54A on the solar tube 54, angleiron hold down 52A, and glass hold down 53A to hold them together.

FIG. 18D

FIG. 18D shows how the suns rays refract into the pipe 51 according toSnell's Law. FIG. 18D shows how light beams from the sun would refractwhen striking the glass cover tube 53 and be directed into the focalpoint of the pipe 51. So no matter what the sun's angle, all the sun'srays would concentrate at the focal point, which would be at the pipe51.

FIG. 18E

FIG. 18E shows a perspective view of a solar tube 54. The tube is curvedto hold the angle iron 52 and pipe 51. The solar tube has bolt holes 54Aspaced similar to the bolt holes 41 on a angle iron hold down 52A andglass hold down 53A. The solar tube 54 has an eye slot 54B so that thesolar tube can pivot in any direction.

FIG. 18EA

FIG. 18EA shows a detailed cross-section of an eye slot 54B. The eyeslot 54B is punched down forming an eyeball shape. The cornea 54C fitsinto the contact 54D of a tapered washer 54E. The eye slot 54B is shapedto accommodate a ball 54F.

FIG. 18F

FIG. 18F shows a perspective view of an angle iron hold down 52A. Theangle iron shape of the angle iron hold down 52A is used to hold downthe angle iron member 52 using bolts through the bolt holes 54A.

FIG. 18G

FIG. 18G shows a perspective view of a tapered washer 54E. The contact54D can be seen in the top part of the tapered washer 54E.

FIG. 18GA

FIG. 18GA shows a cross-section through a tapered washer 54E.

FIG. 18H

FIG. 18H shows a side view of a ball 54F, washer 54G and nut 54H. Thenut 54H, washer 54G, ball 54F, tapered washer 54E, threaded rod (notshown), and rafter hold down (not shown) are from my co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 08/191,852, filed on Feb. 2, 1994 which isincorporated by reference.

The threaded rod from the rafter hold down would be extended up throughthe roof. On top of the threaded rod would be, in the order shown,tapered washer 54E, solar tube 54, ball 54F, washer, 45G, and nut 54H.As in my pending application, the tapered washer 54E and ball 54G allowthe solar tube 54 to pivot and adapt to any slope roof. The taperedwasher 54E and ball 54G also allow the solar tube 54 to fit a slopedroof and capable to pivot to get maximum solar gain.

The pipe 51 can be made from metal and painted black to help absorb moreheat energy. The angle-iron member 52 can be made from many materials,especially materials that provide some insulation, or can be of metal.The glass cover tube 53 can be a normal glass tube that is cut in halflengthwise and given a flare and gasket as shown in FIG. 18B.

The solar tube 54 would hold down roofs and provide hot water to a homefor free. Getting two uses from one product is a vast improvement overprior art. Most, if not all of the embodiments in this invention can bestamped from a single sheet of metal without any welding. This helpsmake the products affordable to everyone who wants to improve theirhome.

FIG. 19A

FIG. 19A shows a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor 55, for use onholding together a plank-and-beam constructed house. The roof anchor 55consists of two pieces, in order to fit on houses with any roof slope.The beam member 55A is attached to the ridge beam of a house, and theroof member 55B is attached to the underside of the roof sheathing.

The beam member 55A consists of large curved plate 57, with nail holes41 for attachment onto the outside sheathing and underlying post andrafter. On the curved end of the curved plate 57 is a large radius ofserrations 57A that are shaped like notches or saw-like teeth. Thecenter point of the radius for the serrations 57A is at the bolt hole57B.

A cut line 56A on the straight edge allows the ridge tab 56B to be bentout, at a right angle, along the right-angle bend 32A line. The ridgetab has nail holes 41 for attachment to the ridge beam that sticks outfrom the house. On houses without a ridge beam the ridge tab 56B wouldnot be bent.

The roof member 55B consists of a flat plate 57C with nail holes 41 andsimilar serrations 57A as on the beam member 55A. The center point ofthe radius for the serrations 57A is at the lip hole 57D and the lengthof the radius is similar to the length of the radius on the beam member55A. The diameter of the lip hole 57D is slightly smaller than the bolthole 57B on the beam member 55A. The lip hole 57D is stamped with aslight lip to the rear of the flat plate 57C. The lip on the lip hole57D is of such dimension that it just fits into the bolt hole 57B of thebeam member.

When the roof member 55B is placed on top of the beam member 55A, andthe lip hole 57D is on top of the bolt hole 57B, the lip of the lip hole57D will fit into the bolt hole 57B. The lip hole 57D and bolt hole 57Bwill now form a pivot hole. The roof member 55B could rotate on an arcfrom this pivot hole, except for the serrations 57A. The serrations 57Aof the roof member 55B and the beam member 55A now line up and meshtogether preventing movement along the arc.

The top part of the roof member 55B has a right-angle bend 32A, that isbent toward the viewer at a right angle, that forms a roof tab 58. Theroof tab 58 has bolt slots 35 that are equal in size and placement tobolt slots on a gable connector 34.

FIG. 19B

FIG. 19B shows a front view of a roof anchor 55. The roof member 55B andthe beam member 55A are linked together at the pivot point of the bolthole 57B and lip hole 57D. The ridge tab 56B is placed against a ridgebeam on the outside of a house and slid upwards until the roof tab 58 isflush against the underside of a house roof.

In order to adjust the roof tab 58 to any roof slope, the roof member55B is lifted slightly so that its serrations 57A are not interlockedwith the serrations 57A of the beam member. Then the roof member 55B isrotated around the pivot point until the roof tab 58 is flush againstthe underside of a roof. Then the entire roof anchor 55 can be tightlyfastened to the house.

Nails, screws, and bolts can be used to fasten the roof anchor 55 to ahouse. The preferred order of attachment is: first the ridge tab 56B isfastened to the ridge beam, then the beam member 55A is fastened to theoutside sheathing and underlying rafter and post, then the roof member55B is fastened to the beam member 55A and underlying rafter.

When a roof anchor 55 is connected under a roof, holes can be drilled upthrough the roof and a roof plate 36 can be attached from the roof usingcarriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B into the bolt slots 35 on the roof tab58. This will tie the outside sheathing, ridge beam, rafter, post, roofsheathing, and roofing material together, and prevents the gable endfrom being blown out by a hurricane.

FIG. 19C

FIG. 19C shows a front view of a two-piece roof anchor 55 withoutserrations 57A. This roof anchor 55 operates the same as in FIG. 19B,but there are no serrations 57A. Nails or screws would keep the roofanchor 55 to the gable sheathing.

FIG. 19D

FIG. 19D shows a perspective view of a one-piece roof anchor 55 attachedto the gable end sheathing at 55A, by a bushing 6 and screw 9, to theprojecting beam at 56B, and to the roof by a roof plate 36. The roofanchor can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal with the rooftab 58 stamped at any angle.

The roof anchor 55 can be made from many materials, but the preferredmethod is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods. Theroof anchors 55 in FIGS. 19A and 19C are for the left side of a ridgebeam, where the ridge beam or longitudinal beam sticks out from thegable end of a house. A right side roof anchor 55, as in FIG. 19D, wouldbe a mirror image of this one.

FIG. 20A

FIG. 20A shows a flat-pattern layout for a gable span 59, roof plate 36,and roof overlay 36A. The gable span 59 has an inner radius 59A on thecurve 59B that allows it to clear molding, trim. wires, cable or othermaterial that would prevent other connectors, such as a gable connector34, from having a close fit to the edge of a gable and roof. The gablespan 59 also contains two roof links 60A, a gable link 60B, and twocurves 59B. There are four right angle bends 32A lines on the layoutthat forms each member on the gable span 59.

The roof links 60A have bolt slots 35, that are similar to bolt slots 35on a gable connector 34. The curve 59B forms and inner radius 59A and anouter radius 59C. The gable link 60B has nail holes 41 for attachment tothe outside sheathing and underlying structural members including therafter and top chord.

FIG. 20B

FIG. 20B shows the gable span 59 as it would be attached to a house, ortying together other structural members that have an interfering memberthat prevents a standard connector from being snug next to both members.FIG. 20B shows how the right-angle bends 32A form a mostly closed loopof curves 59B, roof links 60A, and a gable link 60B.

The gable span 59 would be placed against a gable end and underside of aroof. The inner radius 59A would clear obstructing wires, trim, molding,and cables. The outer radius 59C would be pleasing architecturally, andcould be filled in with filler material such as wood or plastic.

When a gable span 59 is connected under a roof, holes can be drilled upthrough the roof and a roof plate 36, from FIG. 12C, can be attachedfrom the roof using carriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B. This will tie theoutside sheathing, rafter or top chord, roof sheathing, and roofingmaterial together.

FIG. 20C

FIG. 20C shows a gable span 59 with the roof links 60A bent outward atright angle bends 32A. The inner radius 59A still clears obstructions,and the gable link 60B has nail holes for attachment to the gable wall.With the roof links 60A bent outward, a roof plate 36, from FIG. 12C,can be used on top of the roof as the bolt slots 35 will line up asshown in FIG. 20C.

The gable span can be made from many materials, but the preferred methodis stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.

FIG. 21A

FIG. 21A shows a ridge plate 46 and how it can be split in half alongbend line 47B. On the ridge plate 46 and on the truss support 48, thebend line 47B is bent to fit specific pitches of roofs. On the ridgeplate, the bend line 47B could also be cut through to make twoapproximate halves, which could be installed to the rafters, on eitherside of the ridge beam. The bend line 47B does not have to be bent atall but could be one solid piece. This would allow the ridge plate 46 tobe installed on one side of the ridge beam. The ridge plate could alsofit upside-down underneath the ridge beam, tying the rafters from eitherside of the house together as one unit.

The truss support 48, shown in FIG. 21A, is for use on trusses whichhave no ridge beam. The bend line 47B does not have to be pre-bent andcan remain straight to fit on one side of the ridge. The bend line 47Bcould also be cut through to make two separate halves, which could beinstalled to the top chords, on either side of the ridge. To provide themost support, the preferred location for the truss support 48 and ridgeplate 46 is at the ridge.

FIG. 21B

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a latch mechanism 61 on a ridgeplate 46 that can permit the bend lines 47B to pivot and fit ridges onroofs of any pitch. The bend lines 47B are detached to form twoapproximate halves; the side with the latch holes is bent down atapproximately a right angle bend 32A.

The latch mechanism 61 consists of latch tabs 61A on one side, and latchholes 61B on the other side of the bend line 47B. The latch tabs 61A fitinto the latch holes 61B at an obtuse angle, then when the two halves ofthe truss support 48 or ridge plate 46 are set to a roof angle, they arelocked together. The latch mechanism 61 is strong, can swivel to work onany roof, and can fit on or under roofs of any pitch.

FIG. 21C

FIG. 21C shows a flat pattern layout of a latch mechanism 61 prior tobending. The latch tabs 61A, along a bend line 47B, are shown as theywould be fit into the latch holes 61B at an obtuse angle. FIG. 21C showsthat once the two halves are straightened out, they form a latchmechanism 61, which is a strong, simple-to-make, hinge, with pivotsupport along the entire edge. The latch mechanism can be stamped fromsheet metal, using tool and dies.

FIG. 21D

FIG. 21D shows a perspective view, from the underside, of two halves ofa ridge plate 46 linked together at the bend line 47B with latch tabs61A locked into latch holes 61B.

FIG. 21E

FIG. 21E shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A prior to locking usingdifferent embodiments of flat (bottom) and curved (top) latch holes 61B.

FIG. 21F

FIG. 21F shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A at an obtuse angleprior to latching, using different embodiments of flat (bottom) andcurved (top) latch holes 61B.

FIG. 21G

FIG. 21G shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A in the latchedposition, using different embodiments of flat (bottom) and curved (top)latch holes 61B. The ridge plate 46 can now be set on any slope ridgeline.

FIG. 22

FIG. 22 shows a flat layout for a center gable plate 62 with nail holes41, and eave plates 62A with bolt slots 35, and bend line 32A.

FIG. 22A

FIG. 22A shows a front view of a center gable plate 62 attached to thetop center gable end of a house. It is shown holding the outsidesheathing to the underlying rafter, ridge beam, and ridge posts, usingnails or screws in nail holes 41. The eave plates 62A are holding theroof down, connected to a roof plate 36, on top of the roof.

FIG. 23

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a seismic clip 1, corner seismicclip 1A, metal facia plate 38, and hook 38A installed on a house.

FIG. 23A

FIG. 23 shows the preferred location on a house for attachment of atomahawk connector 25, tee connector 22, banana clip 23, corner clip 33,gable connector 34, roof plate 36, metal facia plate 38, metal friezeplate 42, truss support 48, roof anchor 55, ridge plate 46, and centergable plate 62.

FIG. 23B

FIG. 23A shows several more preferred locations for a roof anchor 55.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention

Thus the reader can see that the hurricane and seismic connectors andfasteners of this invention are unique, strong, permanent, functional,and necessary. They are also simple and economical to make, requiringsimple tool and dies and no welding.

This invention solves the problem of retrofitting houses to minimizehigh wind and seismic dangers by using these ingenious and practicalconnectors and fasteners. Many homeowners stay in their house duringhurricanes, because they do not want to be caught in traffic jams tryingto escape the fury, or they are caught unaware.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asan exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many othervariations are possible.

For example, since the connectors are on the outside of a building, theshape can be changed slightly to make them more architecturallyappealing on certain types of houses. To fit on some architecturalstyles of houses, the shape can be changed slightly without comprisingthe structural integrity of the clip. The thickness of the connector canbe altered slightly, or have beveled edges or chamfer.

Rubber, plastic, foam, or resilient pad could be inserted between theconnector and the outside sheathing. This would help absorb theearthquake forces without cracking, and deaden the shocks, andafter-shocks.

The bushings could have a rubber washer or 0-ring at the bearing surfacein order to make the connection water-proof. This may allow the bushingto hold roof sheathing to the rafter, without letting water into thehouse. The bushings could use this rubber to reduce loading and deadenshocks from a seismic event.

The bushings could have plastic or PTFE between the bearing surfaces inorder to have less friction between the bushing and the connector. Thiswould allow the connection to be very tight, but still able to moveslightly. Lag bolts with washers may be readably available, and could beused to fasten the connectors to a house.

To fit on an infinite variety of houses, the connectors could be made oftwo or more pieces. The pieces could be held together by nuts and boltsin slotted holes, so that the connector could be adjusted to go aroundornamental or structural members on the outside of a house.

The invention could use different manufacturing techniques includingmanipulated sheet metal, casting, forging, extrusion, and plastic moldsor injection. There can also be minor variations in color, size, andmaterials.

This invention was over-designed in order to exceed building codes inforce or any that can be anticipated. Certain elements could be deletedfrom some embodiments, such as the screw in the Christmas tree bushing,but that would make them less effective in preventing damage to a home.

The embossments holes could be left out of several embodiments, butembossments make the holes stronger, less resistive to deflection, andmore resistant to cracking. Lag bolts, nails, screws, or bolts andwashers could be used to fasten the connectors to the house, if bushingsare not available.

One die can be used to cut out FIG. 20A, and with the addition ofpunches can be used for four different configurations. FIGS. 19B and 19Ccan use one die for both pieces and can be used for every ridge beam andheader by varying angles. Thus saving substantially on dies, storage,and less inventory. The bushing is designed with most holding done bybottom web where upload is greatest and doesn't damage as much of thewall sheathing. Rafter tabs are offset to prevent nail splitting.

I claim:
 1. A retrofit connector for securing a gable wall onto anexisting house comprising: a. a beam member having an approximately flatsurface and a hole, and having a plurality of serrations embossedthereon said flat surface and radially arranged in an arc about saidhole; b. a roof member having an approximately flat surface and a hole,and having a plurality of serrations embossed thereon said flat surfaceand radially arranged in an arc about said hole, wherein said beammember having a generally right angled bend on a side and a plurality ofnail holes as a means for attachment to a beam, and said flat surfacehaving predetermined area and plurality of nail holes as a means ofattachment to outside wall sheathing of a gable wall and underlyingrafter.
 2. The retrofit connector of claim 1 wherein said roof memberhaving said hole contiguous to said hole of said beam member as a meansof forming a pivot point and rotatable about each other, whereas saidserrations of each member are adjacent and mesh to each other at anyroof slope.
 3. The retrofit connector of claim 1 wherein said roofmember having an approximately right angle bend adjacent to the top anda plurality of nail holes as a means of attachment to outside wallsheathing, underlying rafter, and roof sheathing.